Stop by any one of the three classrooms at the Stowe Early Learning Center in Enfield and you’ll immediately see a thriving community filled with curious, engaged students and caring, responsive teachers. Look a little closer, and you might be surprised to see technology at work.
That’s because the full-day preschool program is STEAM-themed – grounded in purposeful and intentional play with a strong focus on step-by-step learning. The students in these classrooms are learning how the world works. One storybook, building block, and iPad presentation at a time.
Families in Hartford looking for a STEM-themed educational focus for their preschooler can find more information about Stowe through the Open Choice program, and can also download a free parent’s guide.
“There’s lots of engineering and design going on,” says Jaclyn Valley, Director of Early Childhood Initiatives at the Stowe Early Learning Center, “and the kiddos take an active role in planning for their play.”
Learn to Play. Play to Learn.
What does a day of intentional, STEAM-themed play look like? For these little learners it consists of tinkering time, hypothesis time (which takes place each morning during circle time when the kids look at things and wonder WHY?), exploration time, outdoor time, dream time (a time to wind down and rest; no sleep required), reflections time, mealtime (breakfast, lunch, and snacks are provided), and go-home time.
Does that sound like a dynamic day for a preschooler? That’s the intention. Students are empowered to learn, surrounded by a supportive, encouraging environment.
Today’s Children…Tomorrow’s Leaders.
Accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), Stowe is part of the Enfield Public School System. The district-developed curriculum aligns one hundred percent to STEAM-themed initiatives. The licensed and trained teachers at Stowe are preparing their tiny students for a seamless learning experience starting in preschool and continuing onto kindergarten and up through 12th grade.
Being part of the Enfield Public School System also brings the benefit of community. Students and families at Stowe are often invited to exciting events like music night, science nights, and heritage fairs at the local schools. Events like these are not only joyful and entertaining, but they also give preschoolers an opportunity to look ahead to what their own educational journeys might be.
What Does It Mean to Be an Apple Distinguished School?
Because of their strong commitment to STEAM-themed learning, Jaclyn Valley and her team took an intentional approach before applying to the Apple Distinguished School program*. This highly sought-after and very prestigious program can be a game-changer. Schools invited into the select program receive incredible benefits, like national recognition, professional learning opportunities, event invitations, and on-site visits.
The Stowe team considered how to best balance social-emotional learning with the presence of technology in the classroom. Stowe is, after all, actively preparing young children for their educational future – and that future includes technology. However, equal emphasis is given to traditional learning, with an eye on achieving important developmental milestones.
“The iPad is never the star of the show. It complements what we do in the classroom,” Ms. Valley assures. “It’s not a passive screen. It must be used with purpose and intention. Our teachers are expertly trained in ways to connect it to learning standards.”
“Come Visit!”
As Site Supervisor at Stowe, Kathy Piccuirro knows what a big decision preschool can be.
“You can’t really explain preschool in a few words – it’s a unique place. You want your child in a school that loves and supports them the way you do. Trust is a feeling you can’t really feel until you’re here. And when you visit us, you’ll feel it,” Ms. Piccuirro promises.
For more about Stowe, download the free parent’s guide. Personal tours are available by contacting Kathy Piccuirro at kpiccuirro@enfieldschools.org or calling the office at (860) 253-4741.
Application Information
Stowe PK STEAM is accepting student applications through the Regional School Choice Office (RSCO) Open Choice through February 7, 2025. For more information, visit the website at https://enfieldpto.com/stowe
